Saturating machine



y 5, 2- G. J. SNYDER SATURATING MACHINE 5 Sheets-Sheet l INVENTOR.

ATTORNE S.

GILBEETJ. SNYDER.

Filed March 8, 1939 y 5, 1942- G. J. SNYDER 2,281,724

SATURATING MACHINE Filed March 8, 1939 5 Sheets-Sheet 2 BY Mam ATTORNEYS INVENTOR.

' 5 Sheets-Sheet 3 G. J. SNYDER SATURATING MACHINE Filed March 8, 1959 I May 5, 1942.

m m O m W G/LBEET J 5/VYDE2, BY

5 Sheets-Sheet 5 INVENTO R. 6/4 5527 J 5/VYOEE.

ATTORNEYS.

Patented May 5, 1942 s, PATENT OFFICE 228L124 SATURATING MACHINE Gilbert J. Snyder, South Bend.,

Mastic Asphalt Corporation, South Bend.,

Ind., assignor to Ind.,

a corporation of Indiana Application March 8, 1939, Serial No. 260,555

26 Claims.

This invention, relates to improvements in saturating machines, and particularly to machines by which rigid composition board may be saturated to a desired depth.

Composition board has various natural properties, such as rigidity, high value asan insulation against heat and cold, nailability, and the like, which. make it particularly well adapted for use as a base for building covering material such as roofing and siding.

tics and .tends to swell, peel and lose its structural strength incident to absorption. Prior practices in the building covering art have involved' coating the surfaces of a panel or board which are to be exposed to the weather with a water-proofing material such as asphalt to prevent moisture absorption: Approved practice in applying this'coated material has included the coating of the nail head and the portions of the material adjacent thereto and at joints between panels with waterproofing to seal the panel where nailed. However, despite such coating and sealing, it has been found that in course of time, and under the combined action of wind and weather, leakage of water into the body of the composition board may occur, with resultant failure of the product.

To overcome this leakage, and at the same time retainthe natural advantages of composition board mentioned above, it is desirable to saturate the panel to a shallow depth at all surfaces thereof with waterproofing material. Various methods and means have been proposed to saturate composition board adjacent the surfaces thereof. Thus composition board can be saturated with various waterproofing materials, notably low melt point asphalt. This produces the desired waterproofing, but has certain disadvantages. For instance, low melt point asphalt contains a substantial percentage of volatile constituents which facilitate penetration of the asphalt into the board. These'volatile constituents also have the quality of penetrating high melt point asphalt such as is commonly used to form the outer or surface coating of building material, and such infiltration and penetration of the high melt point asphalt tends to discolor, soften and otherwise adversely affect 'the surface coating. Attempts have been made to provide a surface saturation of composition board from high melt point asphalt, but to the bestof my knowledge this has never been found satisfactory or feasible in commercial practice up to this time.

However, it also possesses high moisture absorbing characteris- It is, therefore, the primary object of this invention to provide means for quickly and inexpensively impregnating composition board to a limited'depth with high melt point asphalt or like material.

A further object is to provide a device of this character by which composition board may be preheated to expel moisture therefrom, then dipped in or otherwise coated with heated thermoplastic waterproofing material while heated, and then reheated to maintain said material in fluid condition for a sufficient period of time to permit absorption thereof by the panel or forcing thereof into the panel.

A further object is to provide a device of this character comprising spaced ovens communicating with a dipping tank and provided with a conveyor extending therethrough and cooperating with a depressed guide portion at the tank for dipping material in said tank.

A further object is to provide a novel carrier for holding a rigid panel in operative relation to an undulating e'ndless conveyor which mounts said carrier, whereby said panel may be immersed in a bath of liquid to be completely coated thereby.

A further object is to provide a carrier for a rigid panel and means for automatically operating said carrier to grip and release said panel at predetermined points.

A further object is to provide a device of this character having a dipping tank with means for minimizing the effect of foaming of heated thermoplastic in said tank produced by agitation of the thermoplastic and other causes.

A further object is to provide a dipping tank with an overflow tank into which foaming liquid is discharged from the dipping tank, and means for breaking up the foam and returning the overflow liquid to the dipping tank.

Other objects will be apparent from the description and the appended claims.

In the drawings:

Fig. 1 is a. view of a part of the device in front elevation.

Fig.2 is a view of the remainder of the device in front elevation.

Fig. 3 is a fragmentary longitudinal vertical sectional view of a portion of the device constituting the preheating chamber and associated parts.

Fig. 4 is a fragmentary longitudinal vertical sectional view of another portion of the device constituting the clipping tank and associated parts.

Fig. 5 is a fragmentary longitudinal vertical sectional view of the remainder of the device constituting the drying chamber and associated rts. liig. 6 is a. transverse vertical sectional view of the dipping tank and associated parts taken on line H of Fig. 4.

Fig. 7 is front view of the asphalt supply and circulating system, with parts of the asphalt tank slibwn in section.

Fig. 8 is a top plan view of the carrier and associated parts.

Fig. 9 is a side elevation of the carrier.

Fig. 10 is an enlarged sectional view taken on line ill-ll of Fig. 9;

Fig. 11 is an enlarged fragmentary detail view of an element of the carrier, with parts shown in section.

I Fig. 12 is an enlarged fragmentary detail view of another element of the carrier with parts shown in section.

Referring to the drawings, which illustrate the preferred embodiment of the invention, and particularlyto Figs. 1 and 2, the numeral 18 designates generally mechanism for feeding the composition board to-the device proper, The device proper comprises a preheating chamber I I, a dipping tank l2, a drying chamber l3, an endless conveyor l4, and a hood l5 covering said chambers and tank. A take-off mechanism is preferably located at the discharge end of the device. The feed mechanism l0, conveyor i 4 and take-oil mechanism It are all operated in predetermined timed relation.

0 The construction of the portion of the device including thepreheating chamber is best illustrated in Fig. 3. A frame comprising a plurality of interconnected vertical and horizontal structural elements l1 constitutes the skeleton of this portion of the device. A plurality of panels of insulating material are secured to the frame elements I! to constitute a configured chamber. Specifically the chamber is formed from parallel vertical configured side panels I8; an inclined panel I! and a horizontal panel 28 constituting the top of said chamber; an end horizontal panel 2|, an intermediate upwardly inclined panel 22, and an inner horizontal panel 23 constituting the bottom of the chamber. A narrow vertical panel 24 projects upwardly from the lower portion of the intake end of the chamber leaving an end intake opening 25; and a narrow vertical panel 28 depends from the upper portion of the discharge end of the chamber leaving an and discharge opening 21. Suitable heat supply means, such as gas'burners 28, are located adjacent the lowermost portion of the chamber. A heat supply conduit 29, associated with means to be hereinafter more specifically described, opens into the chamber at 33 adjacent the lower portion thereof. A stack 3| communicates with the upper portion of the chamber at 32 for discharge of gases, etc. -'I'he hood I5 is spaced above the panels I9, 28 forming the top of the chamber for purposes to be hereinafterset forth.

The intermediate portion of the device, which includes the dipping tank I2, is best illustrated in Figs. 4 and 6. Tank I2 is supported on special bars 33 resting on a concrete foundation 34, and insulation 35 is packed in the spaces between bars 33 and against the bottom of the tank. Each of the vertical walls of the tank is also provided with insulation 35, the tank having inner and outer walls for confining said insulation. Tank I2 is open at its top and is of elongated shape with its upper edge preferably slightly below the inner bottom panel 23 of the preheat ing chamber. Adjacent one end of the tank is a transverse partition 31 terminating below the top of the tank and dividing the tank into a main or dipping section 38 and an end overflow section 38.

A plurality of transverse horizontal tubes or flues 48 are mounted in the main section 38 of the tank in the lower portion thereof and in closely spaced relation throughout the length of said main tank section. Suitable gas supply means 4| (Fig. 1) supply gas to a conduit 42 extending longitudinally of the tank at one side thereof. Suitable burners 43 are connected in communication with conduit 42, each adjacent and aligned with one end of a tube 40 into which the flame therefrom is directed. At the opposite side of the tank is provided a horizontal longitudinal flue 44 into which the open ends of tubes 40 project. Suitable dampers 45, controlled by hand levers 46, are interposed in flue 44. The end of flue 44 is connected with heat supply conduit 29. In this way, the tubes 40 are first heated to heat the asphalt or like material within tank l2, with the heat discharged from the tubes being transferred to the preheating chamber through flue 44 and conduit 29.

The asphalt supply system is best illustrated in Fig, '7. A supply conduit 41 extends from a suitable source (not shown), longitudinally into the tank l2. Conduit 41 extends through overflow section 39, and into and substantially the full length of the main section 38, and has a plurality of discharge apertures throughout its length at the portion in the main section 33 of the tank only. ,A suitable pump 48 is connected to the conduit 41 by a branch conduit 43 controlled by a three-way valve 50. A discharge conduit 5| extends through the overflow tank section 33 and terminates in main tank section 38, with its end mounting a downwardly directed spout 52. The outer end of discharge conduit 5| is connected directly to the pump fitting 53 is mounted on discharge conduit 5| within the overflow section 39 of the tank, and a three-way valve 54, operable exteriorly of the tank, is mounted in said fitting. A by-pass conduit 55 is connected to the discharge conduit 5| and to the supply conduit 41 on the branch conduit 49. A valve in said by-pass conduit. The asphalt supply system operates as follows: When the tank is to be filled, valves 50, 54 and 56 are positioned to direct asphalt from supply conduit 41 to bypass conduit 55. thence through discharge con- 56 is interposed tank. When the tank is filled, and it is desired to circulate the asphalt between tank sections 38 and 39, as to break down foam, etc., the valves 58, 54 and 56 may be adjusted to draw asphalt from overflow section 33 at fitting 53 through discharge conduit 5| to pump 48, and thence through branch conduit 43 and supply conduit 4'! to the main section 38 of the tank. All foam in the asphalt is broken up in the pump. When a simple gravity circulating system between the main and overflow sections of the tank is desired, valve 54 may be adjusted to direct asphalt entering fitting 53 through the open or inner section of conduit 5| to spout 52. when it is desired to empty the tank, as for cleaning, the valves 54, 50 and 56 are adjusted to draw the asphalt through discharge conduit 5| to pump 48. An intake 48, and thence through branch conduit 49 and the outer portion of the supply conduit 4! connected with the source of supply.

The hood I5 extends above the tank I2 to close the top thereof, said hood including side walls extending from the top of the tank and having doors 5'! (Fig. 1) therein for access to the tank. Clean-out openings are formed in the tank at 58 (Fig. 1) adjacent the bottom thereof. An inner hood 59 (Fig. 4) is mounted within the hood I5 intermediate the height thereof and above tank I2. A stack 60 communicates with the hood I2 at the crown of inner hood 59 at opening 6| in the rear wall of hood I2. In order to direct gases and vapors to opening 6|, inner hood 59 is transversely inclined, as well as crowned. An outer auxiliary hood 62 is located above doors 51, and a conduit 63 connects said hood 62 with a suction blower 64 exhausting into stack 60, all as shown in Fig. 1, whereby fumes escaping from hood I4 when doors 51 are opened are drawn to and exhausted through said stack.

The remainder of the device, comprising the drying chamber and associated parts, is best illustrated in Fig. 5. The skeleton frame l1 and enclosing hood I5 continue throughout this part of the device and contain the drying chamber formed by panels of insulation material. This chamber comprises vertical sides 65; a horizontal bottom panel 66 slightly above the top of the tank I2; an inner upwardly inclined top panel 61 and a horizontal top panel 68; and a rear shallow vertical panel 69 depending from the top panel 68 to leave a discharge opening I0. An inclined outlet terminating below bottom panel 66, communicates with opening I and is defined by inclined top and bottom insulation panels H and vertical side panels 12. A stack I3 is positioned at the lower end of said inclined outlet to draw away any fumes discharging therethrough.

Heat radiators 14 are positioned within the drying chambers at the sides thereof, and are vented by stack 15. Also a combined air heater and blower 16 is positioned below the drying chamber. A conduit 'II leads from member 16 to the lower portion of said chamber, opening through bottom panel 66. A conduit 18 leads rearwardly and upwardly from member 16 to the upper portion of the device and communicates with conduits I9 and 80. Conduit I9 terminates in a portion extendng transversely of the device within hood I and above and adjacent the inclined top chamber panel 61 (see Fig. 4); while conduit 80 terminates in a portion extending transversely of the device exteriorly of and adjacent to rear chamber panel 69 (see Fig. 5). The transversely extending terminal portions of conduits I9 and 80 have downwardly inwardly inclined lips or guides 8| projecting therefrom and through the adjacent chamber panels 61 and 69 respectively. The lips 0| define slits which extend longitudinally in the respective conduits through which heated air is exhausted. Thus the member I6 draws the coolest air from the bottom of the drying chamber through conduit 11, reheats the air. and blows it through conduits I8, 19 and 80 for return into the ends of the chamber in a controlled and directed flow uniformly effective across the entire width of the drying chamber.

The endless conveyor I4 preferably comprises a pair of roller chains which are trained at one end of the device around sprockets 82 mounted on a shaft 83 journalled on the frame of the device forwardly of the preheating chamber (Fig.3). Hood I5 is preferably extended forwardly to overlie said sprockets. At the other end of the device, the conveyor chains are trained around sprockets 84 mounted on a shaft 85 journaled in carriage members 86 slidable on horizontal frame elements 81 extending rearwardly from the drying oven. A threaded shaft 88 operated by hand member 89 serves to control the position of sprockets 94 relative to the drying oven.

Guide means are provided for the conveyor chains, said means extending entirely through the device, and being fixedly secured to the frame member I1 and other parts of the device. As here illustrated, the guide means is constructed as follows: A pair of angle irons 90 are bent in arcuate form, each extending in outwardly spaced concentric relation to a sprocket 82. From a point below the sprockets 82, the angle iron guides extend longitudinally of the device in parallel horizontal portions 9| which enter the preheating chamber through the upper portions of opening 25 in said chamber. The guides are upwardly bent at 92 within the preheating chamber and adjacent the feed opening 25 thereof. Thence the guides are bent in an upwardly convex curved portion 93 which generally follows the contour of the preheating chamber, said portion being located adjacent the top of the chamber throughout. The guide portions 93 terminate in a downwardly extending portion 94 which extends to a point spaced slightly above the tank I2. Independent guide members 95 are secured to the upper portions of the longitudinal side walls of the tank I2 at the interior thereof. These guide members 95 extend substantially horizontally in the main section 38 of the tank spaced above the level of the top of tank partition 31, and terminate in spaced relation to the opposite ends of said main tank section in upwardly inclined end portions 96, one end thereof being substantially aligned with the end portion of guide part 94. Guide members 91, substantially aligned with rearmost inclined portions 96 of guides 95, extend from adjacent the tank I2 in longitudinally upwardly inclined relation to enter the drying chamber, and extend longitudinally in said chamber adjacent the top wall thereof in curved form at 98. being downwardly inclined at 99 at the rear end of said drying chamber to pass through inclined outlet passage I I, I2. The guides continue downwardly inclined exteriorly of passage II, 12 and are bent at I00 to terminate in a horizontal portion IOI positioned below frame extension 81 and extending below sprockets B4. A supplementary curved guide I02 concentric with and spaced slightly above the main guide is located at bend 92 within the preheating chamber. A similar supplementary guide I03 is located above the main guide at bend I00 thereof adjacent the discharge end of the device. The guides 95 in the tank I2. and the supplementary guides I02 and I03, constitute hold-down guides whereby the conveyor chain will positively follow the undulating path of movement through the device defined by the main guide structure.

A return guide structure is also provided. This comprises guide members I04 extending in parallel relation longitudinally of the device and within the hood I5 adjacent the top thereof. These guide members pass above both the preheating and the drying chambers, and above inner hood 59. The forward ends of guides I04 terminate in substantially aligned relation to guides 90 adjacent sprockets 82. The rear ends of said guides I04 terminate in downwardly inclined portions I05 projecting from hood I5 and secured to uprights I06 substantially forwardly from sprockets 84. Uprights I06 pivotally mount elongated arms II journaling idlers I08 bearing on the upper faces of the conveyor chains, with the weight thereof suflicient to take up any slack in said conveyors.

A plurality of carriers I09, best illustrated in Figs. 8 to 12, extend transversely between and are secured to conveyor chains I4. Each of the chains I4 has a plurality of ears IIO projecting at the inner side thereof in spaced relation, with ears on the respective chains transversely aligned. Upon ears IIO rest the reduced ends II I of a rigid transverse bar II2. Ends III each have a tapered opening I I3 formed therein through which a bolt I I4 extends vertically with a loose fit. A coil spring II5 encircles each bolt II4 above end III and supports a washer II6 upon which the bolt head rests. A nut III retains the bolt H4 in operative relation.

A plurality of rigid arms II8 depend from bar H2 in equally spaced relation. The intermediate arms II 8 have bifurcated lower end portions Set screws I are adjustably threaded in the lower ends of the outer arms H8 and in each fork of the lower portions I I9 of the intermediate arms. Centrally between each pair of adjacent arms H8 is journaled a depending arm I2I having a cross head I22 at its lower end substantially horizontally aligned with set screws I20. A pair of rollers I 23 is journaled at each end of each cross head I22 by means of a rivet I24 or the like parallel to arm I2I. The rollers I23 project beyond the outer ends of cross head I22. Circular plates or flanges I25 are fixedly secured to the intermediate arms H8 and to each rotatable arm I2I intermediate the length thereof in horizontal alignment and concentric thereto. Flanges I25 are of a diameter to provide spaces therebetween somewhat greater than the spacing between opposed adjacent rollers I23 and set screws I20. A plurality of cross bars are each rigidly connected to the projecting upper end of a rotatable arm I2I above bar H2. The cross bars are grouped in complementary sets at the opposite ends of bar I I2. The outer cross bar I26 of each pair is pivoted at I21 intermediate its ends to a link I28, to which all bars of one group are connected. At the end of each outer cross bar I26 opposite arm I2I is journaled a perpendicular roller I29. The intermediate cross bar I30 of each group is connected to its arm I2I intermediate its ends. One end of cross bar I30 is pivotally connected at I 3| to link I28. An elongated coil spring I32 interconnects the opposite ends of the intermediate cross bars I30 of the two groups. The inner cross bar I 33 of each group is short, and serves merely for pivotal connection at I34 with link I28.

In normal condition, spring I32 urges cross heads I22 on arms I2I into substantial alignment, with links I28 engaging bar II2 to limit spring urged rotation of arms I2I. Elongated cam bars I36 are rigidly mounted on the device adjacent the feed and discharge ends of the device for engagement by rollers I29 to equally rotate all arms I2I to releasing position. Also, at the feed end, cams I3'I may be provided for engagement by the rollers I29 immediately behind cams I36, for the purpose of positively rotating arms I2I to operative locking or gripping position.

The operation of the device is as follows: Panels I38 of rigid composition board are suitably positioned in spaced parallel vertical relation parallel to conveyor chains I 4, and below sprockets 82, as by feed mechanism I0. As carriers I09 reach a point above said panels, the arms H8 and I2I pass freely therebetween by virtue of the positioning action of cams I36. As the carriers pass beyond cams I36, springs I32 return arms I2I to normal position to grip the panel I 38 at one end. Cam I31 then serves to positively set the carrier arms with rollers I23 and set screws I20 taking a firm bite on opposite sides of the panel. The operation is repeated with respect to the opposite end of each panel I38 by the succeeding carrier I09, so that each end of each panel is supported. The spacing of flanges I25 on carrier arms H8 and I2I is such that the upper ends of panels I38 fit freely therebetween, but lateral tilting of the panels is prevented by said flanges.

Panels are then conveyed into and through the preheating chamber, dipping tank and drying chamber in edgewise vertical movement following the vertical undulations of the guides for the conveyors. When the panels I38 reach a curve in the guides, the carriers I09 are tilted to angular relation with respect to the conveyor as illustrated in Fig. 10, accommodated by the loose spring pressed connection between conveyor ears H0 and bars H2. Thus the spacing of the points at which each panel is gripped remains constant throughout its entire path of travel through the device.

In the preheating chamber, the panels I 38 are heated to a high temperature just under the combustion point of the material, for the purpose of expelling moisture contained therein. This increases the absorptive properties of the panels. When the panels reach the dipping chamber, they are completely submerged in the heated asphalt or other waterproofing material contained therein, and are held submerged for a period of time to initiate surface impregnation thereof by the asphalt. From the tank I2, the panels are then conveyed to and through the drying chamber where they are substantially uniformly subjected to the action of currents of heated air discharged from lips or nozzles 8I of heat conduits l9 and 80, and to the heat generated by radiators "I4. This heat maintains the asphalt or waterproofing in fluid condition to permit impregnation thereof into the panels at the surfaces to continue until all thereof is absorbed into the interior of the panels, leaving the surface texture of the board substantially unchanged, and eliminating tacky or sticky panel surfaces. Also, any foam of the asphalt is broken down thereby. From the drying chamber the panels continue to the discharge point adjacent sprockets 84 at which cams I36 open the carriers to release the panels. The empty carriers are then carried over guides I04.

It will be observed that the guides in the tank I2 are so positioned that neither the conveyor chain I4, nor the carrier bars H2 and the journals and control cross bars, etc., are submerged. This insures free operation of the carriers at all times, without sticking or adhesion of parts, etc.

A certain amount of foaming of the asphalt or other waterproofing material occurs in the operation of the device. However, this foam is constantly discharged to the overflow portion 39 of the tank by the circulation or flow of the asphalt induced, at least in part, by the unidirectional movement of the panels therethrough. Thus accumulation of foam sufficient to retard the penetrating action of the asphalt uniformly into the panel is prevented. The return circulation of the asphalt from the overflow section 39 to main section 38, including the foam destroying action of pump 48 has been described above.

The speed of the conveyor chain, dimensions of the various parts, etc., may be varied as desired and according to the characteristics of saturation desired; all without affecting the advantages and functions of the machine to provide rapid and inexpensive panel saturation.

I claim:

1. A saturating device comprising a preheating chamber, a drying chamber, a dipping tank interposed between said chambers and positioned below the chambers, said chambers and tank constituting an elongated assembly, stationary guide means extending through said chambers and tank, a flexible conveyor having a portion movable in a substantially horizontal undulating path through said assembly along said guide and a portion exterior of said assembly, and article carriers mounted on said conveyor in spaced relation.

2. A device as defined in claim 1, wherein said carriers are arranged in pairs, each mounting an end of a longitudinally vertically disposed article, said carriers being pivotally mounted on said conveyor.

3. A device as defined in claim 1, wherein said carriers mount longitudinally disposed articles and are pivotally mounted on said conveyor and spring pressed in normally perpendicular relation to said conveyor.

4. A device as defined in claim 1, and a plurality of heating elements extending transversely through the tank below the level of the path of movement of the article.

5. A device as defined in claim 1, including a plurality of tubes extending through said tank below the path of movement of the article and open exteriorly of said tank at one end, and a burner at each open tube end.

6. A device as defined in claim 1, including a plurality of open ended tubes extending through said tank below the path of movement of the article, a burner at one end of each tube, and a conduit communicating with the opposite ends of said tubes and communicating with one of said chambers.

7. A device as defined in claim 1, including a pump, liquid supply and discharge conduits communicating with said tank, and said pump, and valve means for controlling the flow of liquid through each of said conduits by said pump.

8. A device as defined in claim 1, including a forced circulation air heating unit having a downwardly directed discharge opening extending transversely within said drying chamber above said guide, said carrier mounting a plurality of laterally spaced articles.

9. A device as defined in claim 1, including means exteriorly of said drying chamber for actuating said carrier to article-releasing position.

10. A device as defined in claim 1, having feed and discharge elements exteriorly of said chambers, each including means for opening said carrier, said feed element including means for positively closing said carrier.

11. A device as defined in claim 1, wherein said conveyor constitutes an endless element projecting longitudinally from the outer ends of said chambers and said carriers are normally spring tensioned in operative position, longitudinal cams juxtaposed to the projecting portions of said conveyor, and an actuator on each carrier engaging said cams and shifted thereby to actuate said carriers against said spring tension.

12. A device as defined in claim 1, wherein said conveyor constitutes an endless element projecting longitudinally from the outer ends of said chambers, means at one end of said conveyor for adjusting the tension of said conveyor, and a cam for actuating said carrier mounted on said adjusting means.

13. A saturator comprising a pair of spaced heating chambers, a dipping tank interposed between said chambers and disposed below the level thereof, and means for conveying an article in a generally horizontal undulating path of movement through said chambers and tank including an endless conveyor, stationary means guiding said conveyor, an article carrier transverse to said conveyor, and means exterior of one chamber and adjacent said conveyor for actuating said carrier to inoperative position.

14. A saturator comprising a pair of spaced heating chambers having restricted openings at the lower portions of their ends, at least the outer end of each chamber being downwardly and outwardly inclined, a dipping tank between said chambers and below the level of said chambers, a guide in each chamber and said tank, an endless conveyor passing through said chambers and tank and trained over the chamber guides and under said tank guide, and an article carrier on said conveyor.

15. A saturator comprising a pair of spaced heating chambers having openings at each end, a liquid tank interposed between and below the level of said chambers, means for heating the liquid in said tank, article carriers shiftable in a predetermined undulating path through said chambers and tank, and a hood covering said tank above the level of said chamber openings.

16. A saturator comprising a pair of spaced heating chambers having openings at each end, a liquid tank interposed between and below the level of said chambers, means for heating the liquid in said tank, an endless conveyor including an undulating operating run extending through said chambers and tank and a return run above said chambers and tank, spaced article carriers on said conveyor, a transversely inclined hood covering said tank above said operating conveyor run, and a stack positioned laterally of said return conveyor run.

17. A saturator comprising an insulated preheating chamber having restricted openings at its ends, said chamber including an upwardly inclined feed end, an insulated drying chamber having restricted openings at its ends, said chamber including a restricted downwardly inclined discharge end, means for heating each chamber, a stack communicating with each chamber, a dipping tank interposed between and below the level of said chambers, and means for conveying an article in an undulating path of movement through said chambers and tank.

18. In combination, an elongated housing having vertically disaligned parts, a flexible conveyor, means guiding said conveyor in a vertically undulating path of movement through said housing, a pair of spaced carriers pivotally mounted B UUUIIDU on said conveyor in longitudinally spaced relation for gripping opposite ends of an elongated rigid article, and spring pressed means cooperating with each pivot mounting to normally maintain said carriers in predetermined relation to said conveyor, said means yielding to permit pivoting of said carriers when said conveyor bends incident to said undulating movement whereby the points of engagement between said carrier and article are relatively fixed at all portions of said path of movement.

19. In combination, an elongated liquid containing tank, means for supplying liquid to said tank, means for immersing an article in said tank and moving said article longitudinally in one direction therein, a vertical transverse partition in said tank adjacent the discharge end thereof and defining a compartment into which foaming surface liquid overflows from said tank, and means for defoaming said liquid and returning it to the dipping portion of said tank, said last named means comprising a conduit passing through said partition adjacent the bottom thereof and communicating with said compartment and the main body of said tank for maintaining a constant liquid level in said tank equalized by transfer of non-foaming liquid below the liquid level.

20. In combination, a dipping tank adapted to contain thermoplastic material, a plurality of tubes extending transversely of said tank adjacent the bottom thereof, said tubes having open ends projecting exteriorly of said tank, and a plurality of burners, each disposed at one end of each tube.

21. The combination defined in claim 20, and a heat transfer conduit communicating with said tubes at the ends thereof opposite said burners.

22. In combination a dipping tank, a drying chamber having opposed downwardly inclined open ends, one of said ends being juxtaposed to said tank, means for conveying a plurality of elongated articles through said tank and chamber in groups of spaced longitudinally positioned units, and means extending transversely through said chamber for directing a current of heated air impinging equally upon each unit.

23. The combination defined in claim 22, wherein said heating means comprises a heat conduit extending transversely through said chamber adjacent one end thereof and having an elongated discharge opening therein directed substantially toward the center of said chamber.

24. A saturator comprising a dipping tank, a. flexible conveyor, means for guiding said conveyor in a vertically undulating path having a portion adjacent the liquid level of said tank, a pair of depending carriers pivoted on said conveyor in longitudinally spaced relation to grip opposite ends of an elongated article.

25. A saturator comprising an elongated housing including a dipping tank, a flexible endless conveyor having a portion extending through said housing and adjacent the liquid level of said tank, an article carrier on said conveyor including a pair of parts of which one is shiftable relative to the other between open and closed positions, and feed and discharge elements positioned externally of said housing at opposite ends thereof, each element including means for opening said carrier, said feed element including means for positively closing said carrier.

26. In combination, an elongated liquid containing tank, means for immersing an article in said tank and moving said article longitudinally therein, a vertical transverse partition in said tank adjacent the discharge end thereof and defining a compartment into which foaming surface liquid overfiows from said tank, and means for defoaming said liquid and returning it to the dipping portion of said tank including a pump, a liquid supply conduit communicating with the dipping compartment of said tank, a valve controlled connection between said pump and conduit, a liquid discharge conduit having valve controlled communication with said dipping and overflow compartments and connecting with said pump, and a valve controlled by-pass extending from said discharge conduit to said supply conduit on the intake side of the pump connection of said supply conduit.

GILBERT J. SNYDER. 

